Culture shock rating

Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.

Low

Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.

Medium

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.

High

You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.

Medium

Physicality

Physical rating

Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.

Low

Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.

Medium

Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

High

Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.

High

TOUR SNAPSHOT

“”

This trip was the highlight of our holiday to Fiji. We were looking for something away from the masses and this trip certainly supplied that. We were doing all the touristy things in and around Nadi, but hiking to a waterfall with just us and our fantastic guide Ray was an experience I'll never forget. The weather wasn't our friend, with quite a bit of rain, but when you're standing behind a waterfall and getting the drenched from that, what's a little rain anyway?!? I loved that the track wasn't easy, as the sense of fulfilment was magnified as a result. Ray was brilliant with his knowledge of the mountains, the plants and of course the Fijian culture. To visit the village after our hike and eat a traditional meal hosted by a local family is something I will cherish also. The friendliness of Fijians is not a charade, there is a genuine care and concern from everyone you meet and the village folk where exceptionally caring. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get away from the tourism bubble for a day, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and challenge yourself with a fantastic hike. And of course this wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the care and consideration of the man that has put so much effort into developing the program. Ray was a gem, a true gentleman, full of interesting facts and with a genuine desire to ensure an interesting and safe trip was had by us. Thanks for a wonderful day

Mr. Peter R., Australia - 07 Dec 2017

Ray is an excellent guide- enthusiastic, knowledgable and thoughtful We were his two oldest participants so far (67 and 71) and he catered to our needs. Walk was great- we really enjoyed being out in the country away from full on tourism. The meal with the village family was wonderful-l. Thanks so much Ray for a great day.

Mr. Ben G., Australia - 11 Aug 2017

This tour was completely awesome because it was not what was expected. I expected a mini easy tour through Fiji on clearly set out trails and a local, but cheesy type of meal at the end. However, this was truly, literally, a hike through wild jungle. You need hiking shoes, you need to be somewhat fit even though Ray, our guide, will take it at your pace. Ray was completely awesome. He knew his facts and information. He knew the trail, he knew the plants and the animals and he knew the surrounding areas, giving us FIjian information right from the get-go. Also, either eat breakfast or as Ray to stop somewhere (he knows them all) so you can pick up breakfast before the hike. Unfortunately for us the weather was wet and rainy when we went on our hike, but Ray kindly gave us options as to cancel, to make a shorter hike, or to slog through with us on the full tour. As we were going to get wet anyways, we decided on the full hike and it was well worth it. The waterfall was gorgeous and running at full steam due to the rain. And the local food was delicious. Don't expect something fancy and cheesy tourist type of thing. We ate outside sitting on a table surrounded by chickens and dogs. The food was filling, delicious and definitely not chock full of fancy spices - there was no fancy names. Just taro, eggs, eggplant, etc. The locals were extremely friendly and kind and genuine. They wanted you to like their food. There was no feeling of, oh pity me, please donate money or we are looking for handouts. They just wanted to feed you and make sure you loved the food. It was by far one of the best experiences out there and completely unexpected in Fiji. I would definitely do this tour again. Also, do this tour early in your travels, if possible, Ray will tell you all the best place to go to Fiji.

Mr. Yun-Shan L., USA - 21 Dec 2016

Tour snapshot

Go take a hike! Spend the day in the great outdoors, exploring the villages and hiking trails far beyond Nadi. When you’re done exploring, fuel up with lunch prepared by a local family in a rural village.

Highlights

Catch breathtaking views as you head out of Nadi and into the countryside

Hike along a forested trail that ends at a waterfall

Learn about local flora, including plants that are used in traditional medicines — and a few that you never want to touch!

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks such as snacks bought at the market, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide.

Schedule details

Duration: 6.5 hours

Pickup location:

Your hotel. Please indicate your hotel when you book, or, if you don’t know your hotel yet, notify us at info@nadiurbanadventures.com before the tour date.

Pickup time: 10.00 AM

Drop off location:

At your hotel

FULL ITINERARY

Your Nadi tour will begin with a wonderful scenic ride from Nadi to Lautoka, where we’ll begin our hiking adventure. Along the drive, you’ll get to see a side of Fiji that’s away from the tourist zones, as we pass from urban to rural areas. Your guide will share the stories and histories of the places that you ride past, giving you a better understanding of local life in this land. You’ll spot beaches, fields for farming sugar cane, and the village of Viseisei, which is where Fijians first settled. We’ll also head off-road, climbing steep hills and crossing river streams to reach the start point of our hike.

En route, we’ll make a pit stop for anyone who wishes to buy snacks or any other items from the local supermarket. The drive takes about 35 minutes total from Nadi to Lautoka, and from Lautoka to the hike location is about 20 minutes.

Once we arrive at the start point, we’ll follow the trail through the forest, spotting wild plants that are used for traditional medicines. We’ll also see a few species of flora that can harm you in an instant — don’t touch any of them unless your guide says it’s okay!

This hiking route will get you fascinated for local culture, as there are stories behind each mountain you’ll see, path you’ll take, and photo you’ll snap.

We’ll eventually find ourselves at a waterfall — the perfect place to cool off before returning back to the beginning!

After our hike, we’ll head into Abaca village for a lunch prepared by a local family; families are given a chance to host lunches for guests, which benefit both them and the village. As we eat, you’ll get to learn about local life, including how locals cope with living so far from urban areas, with no general stores nearby or public transport. Locals need to walk lengthy distances in the early morning to buy basic needs, and return back in the evening on foot.

After lunch, we’ll then head back to urban life in Nadi, exhausted from the hiking, yet happy from all the interaction we’ve had with a local community.

Note: Please be ready and in the lobby at least 15 minutes before your designated pick-up time.

Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.

Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at your hotel for pick up. Please check your hotel details are correct on the voucher. If your details are not correct, it is very important to please email us to confirm your correct pick up hotel using the contact details on the voucher. If you prefer you may also phone the change through to us during business hours.

Child Policy: Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.

Local contact

Traveller rating

Excellent

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Very good

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Rating summary

Overall experience

Guide

Local learning

Responsible travel

Met expectations

Mr. Peter R. from Australia travelled on 07 Dec 2017

This trip was the highlight of our holiday to Fiji. We were looking for something away from the masses and this trip certainly supplied that. We were doing all the touristy things in and around Nadi, but hiking to a waterfall with just us and our fantastic guide Ray was an experience I'll never forget. The weather wasn't our friend, with quite a bit of rain, but when you're standing behind a waterfall and getting the drenched from that, what's a little rain anyway?!? I loved that the track wasn't easy, as the sense of fulfilment was magnified as a result. Ray was brilliant with his knowledge of the mountains, the plants and of course the Fijian culture. To visit the village after our hike and eat a traditional meal hosted by a local family is something I will cherish also. The friendliness of Fijians is not a charade, there is a genuine care and concern from everyone you meet and the village folk where exceptionally caring. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to get away from the tourism bubble for a day, immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and challenge yourself with a fantastic hike. And of course this wouldn't be possible if it weren't for the care and consideration of the man that has put so much effort into developing the program. Ray was a gem, a true gentleman, full of interesting facts and with a genuine desire to ensure an interesting and safe trip was had by us. Thanks for a wonderful day

Mr. Ben G. from Australia travelled on 11 Aug 2017

Ray is an excellent guide- enthusiastic, knowledgable and thoughtful We were his two oldest participants so far (67 and 71) and he catered to our needs. Walk was great- we really enjoyed being out in the country away from full on tourism. The meal with the village family was wonderful-l. Thanks so much Ray for a great day.

Mr. Yun-Shan L. from USA travelled on 21 Dec 2016

This tour was completely awesome because it was not what was expected. I expected a mini easy tour through Fiji on clearly set out trails and a local, but cheesy type of meal at the end. However, this was truly, literally, a hike through wild jungle. You need hiking shoes, you need to be somewhat fit even though Ray, our guide, will take it at your pace. Ray was completely awesome. He knew his facts and information. He knew the trail, he knew the plants and the animals and he knew the surrounding areas, giving us FIjian information right from the get-go. Also, either eat breakfast or as Ray to stop somewhere (he knows them all) so you can pick up breakfast before the hike. Unfortunately for us the weather was wet and rainy when we went on our hike, but Ray kindly gave us options as to cancel, to make a shorter hike, or to slog through with us on the full tour. As we were going to get wet anyways, we decided on the full hike and it was well worth it. The waterfall was gorgeous and running at full steam due to the rain. And the local food was delicious. Don't expect something fancy and cheesy tourist type of thing. We ate outside sitting on a table surrounded by chickens and dogs. The food was filling, delicious and definitely not chock full of fancy spices - there was no fancy names. Just taro, eggs, eggplant, etc. The locals were extremely friendly and kind and genuine. They wanted you to like their food. There was no feeling of, oh pity me, please donate money or we are looking for handouts. They just wanted to feed you and make sure you loved the food. It was by far one of the best experiences out there and completely unexpected in Fiji. I would definitely do this tour again. Also, do this tour early in your travels, if possible, Ray will tell you all the best place to go to Fiji.

Ms. Malinie F. from Australia travelled on 07 Nov 2016

Our guide Ray was incredibly friendly and easy to get along with. Ray took us to a local village where they fed us lunch and the hike that we did was fantastic! I would absolutely recommend this to anybody travelling in Fiji for a bit of exercise while experiencing the real Fiji.